"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.' For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:1-5)
There is power in sharing. Strength is given and received in the telling of history. Especially a painful history. The stories that are being shared on this new site tell of strength and courage and hope. One in four women has experience domestic violence. It is up to us all to make their voices heard. To unsilence their silence so we can know their stories.God, these women are stepping out in faith, sharing their stories of endurance and offering encouragement for others. Bless them and this movement to increase awareness of the prevalence of this tragic crime. Help us support them. Help us be sensitive to the nature of this problem and reach out to anyone around us in need of this connection. By your grace we are strong.
Amen.
3 comments:
I need to say this prayer, too. As a retreat team member, I might expect a retreatant to share her experiences of violence, perhaps for the first time.
Violence, as reported in the news, frightens me. I pray that my own family does not experience it.
At the same time, I see violence as part of the mix of modern human suffering. Mixed with poverty, substance abuse, mental illness.
Yeah, prayer is the most feasible participation for me.
Thank you so much for this, Fran. Your heart is so huge.
xo
@ therextras: Everywhere I go now, I think...someone here is overcoming abuse. It's tragic.
@Maggie, D: Thank you. You are doing something wonderful.
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